Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice: Jeremy Pena, Xander Bogaerts, Max Meyer (2024)

It’s never too early to start acquiring players with the hopes of turning your season around or solidifying yourself as a top contender. Here are names to consider buying low this week.

Fantasy Baseball Trade Advice (Week 4)

Buy Low

Jeremy Pena (SS – HOU)

A .348 batting average and a .470 slugging percentage aren’t bad for the 21st-ranked shortstop off preseason draft boards. Jeremy Pena just wasn’t a popular pick this year. We all felt let down after his promising 2022 season where he hit 22 home runs was followed up by hitting only 10. He did, however, raise his walk rate by 3% and lowered his strikeout percentage by four points. Pena is a good hitter; sure, he might struggle to hit 20 home runs, but would we be surprised if he did? Do you need a shortstop? Look no further as there is a good chance he is on another owner’s bench. His average roster ownership is about 60%. You can probably obtain him now at a discounted price, if the need is there.

Xander Bogaerts (SS – SD)

Xander Bogaerts has been a reliable shortstop in past seasons. He was considered a safe and possible steal in preseason fantasy draft rankings. Even with the Padres losing Juan Soto this offseason, this lineup is still good. Bogaerts is batting at the top of the lineup and has Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado hitting behind him. The bad right now is he is only hitting .213 with one home run. His slugging and on-base percentage are below .300. Bogaerts hasn’t hit his stride yet, but at just 31, I don’t believe the door is shut yet. Owners might be looking for a change and because of his current numbers, they shouldn’t be asking for much.

Max Meyer (SP – MIA)

Yes, Max Meyer was just sent down to the minors. He will also be on an innings limit this year since he was sidelined all last season because of Tommy John surgery. Meyer is a former top prospect and started this season well. He’s 2-0 in three games with a 2.12 ERA. It’s early, of course, and he’s still a season away from being completely recovered.

We’re not sure when Meyer will return to the majors or for how long. Acquiring him now should be considered for dynasty or deeper keeper leagues. It’s early in the year but his owners might not like their bench spot being taken by a part-time major leaguer. If you can absorb the extra bench spot and/or you are in a rebuilding year, he’s worth a look. With his good start this season, Meyer at least is showing that the former top prospect still has the pedigree.